Paris Is Always A Good Idea

“Ajouter deux lettres à Paris, c’est le paradis.”

(Add two letters to Paris , this is paradise) ― Jules Renard

I have a strong love for Europe which stems from years of Art History courses. I remember the first time I arrived in Venice seeing the Piazza San Marco highlighted by the night stars, making it look like a canvas painting crafted by one of the masters. It just took my breath away. And while in Rome I was awestruck and became emotional while standing underneath The Sistine Chapel. At that moment, that marvelous fresco had attached me to history. After years of reading about it and seeing it on the pages of my art history books I was now in that same spot connected to it all and the moment was breathtaking.

My favorite part of traveling is being able to see places you’ve read/learned about and become part of them in even a small way- through their history and culture. I’m also a major foodie abroad, “when in Rome” is definitely my motto. The way I see it food is an important ingredient of any country’s culture and heritage.

Last month, instead of having a birthday party at home I opted to celebrate my 40th birthday with a 2 day trip to Paris, France. So two days before my birthday my Hubby, two of my favorite travel besties and I, packed our bags and headed to “la ville lumuire” (the city of light).

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DAY 1

HIghlights of the day: Notre Dame Cathedral , Eiffel Tower, Chez Casimir

We arrived in Paris at 9:30 am and decided to take the city head on to try to get acclimated to the time difference (Paris is 6 hours ahead of Miami). We headed over to our hotel the Hotel ibis Styles Paris Buttes Chaumont and thanks to the genius idea of my friend Peta who called them two weeks in advanced requesting early check-in they had one of our two rooms ready for us. We dropped off our luggage and headed out. We walked around the neighborhood and grabbed some coffee and croissants while we decided where to begin our day.

Since we were starting to feel the effects of the jet lag we choose to make it a laid back day. We opted to start with Notre Dame and then continue on to the Eiffel Tower. After that we’d head back to the hotel for a good nap (music to my Hubby’s ears) before heading out again for a delicious Parisian dinner at Chez Casimir.

Notre Dame Cathedral | 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Eiffel Tower

Chez Casimir | 6 rue de Belzunce, 10e, Paris, 75010, France

DAY 2

Highlights of the day: Angelina, Tuileries Gardens, Musee D’Orsay, Seine River dinner cruise

Rise & shine we’re in Paris…and it’s my birthday! The second day started off with breakfast at the hotel and a little grocery shopping at Franprix & Carrefour. We were in search of French yumminess to bring back home– we’re talking cheeses, tartlettes and wine. After our grocery store adventures we returned to the hotel to change and get ourselves dolled up for our tea time date with Angelina. After a scrumptious brunch at Angelina’s tea house we headed across the street to The Tuileries Gardens.

Angelina | 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

The gardens were filled with people lounging in chairs, reading and just enjoying the beautiful afternoon. While walking the gardens we discovered a carousel and there was no way we were going to pass it by without at least one ride. Celebrating my 40th birthday on a carousel in Paris, well that just made my inner child beam with happiness.

Tuileries Gardens | 113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

After the gardens, we went back to the hotel for a power nap before heading out again for our dinner cruise down the Seine River.

I love museums so I was excited when my girls surprised me with a trip to the Musee D’Orsay. I got to see works from Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Degas –and they were magnificent. We spent about an hour and a half in the museum, then walked across the street to Port De Solferino to board our dinner cruise.

Musee D’Orsay |  1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

The trip had been magnificent so far, but the cruise down the Seine was definitely the highlight of our two days in Paris. We chatted and laughed the whole time while sipping champagne and watching Parisians dancing, playing music and picnicking along the bank of the river. We stopped at the foot of the Eiffel tower as the evening light show began. It was spectacular and a beautiful ending to an amazing vacation.

Seine River dinner cruise

Be sure to scroll down for today’s travel tips and to check out some more photos of  our time in la belle Paris. Until next time my lovelies & remember to make it a wanderful life,

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 TRAVEL TIPS:

• When traveling to Europe be sure to calculate the travel time & time change. With the time change and 9 hour flight time we left Miami at 6 pm on the 8th & arrived at 9 am on the 9th in Paris.
• I know it can be hard to sleep on a plane for some, but try to because you want to be acclimated to the time change of the new city. Otherwise you run the risk of being completely jet lagged on arrival– and trust me no matter how pretty the sites are all you’ll be thinking is about that hotel room bed.
• Most hotels have a noon check in, if your flight gets in early in the morning it never hurts to contact the hotel a few days prior to your arrival and request an early check-in. That way you can leave your bags in your room, take a good shower and perk yourself up for sightseeing.
• When booking your hotel, consider the area as well as it’s proximity to ground transportation– believe me, after a long day of sightseeing you will appreciate a hotel in close proximity to the metro or bus line.
• For some more great travel tips, be sure to also check out CARRY ON-TIPS FOR TRAVELING WHILE CURVY

And because sharing is caring here’s $10 usd to help you book a sightseeing tour or attraction via Viator.com for your next vacation/trip.

“Paris Is Always A Good Idea” in Photos:

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